More Q & A to come soon!
Questions and Answers
Question: Why do I need to drink water after a massage?
Answer: Massage will increase the circulation of blood and lymph while hastening the removal of cellular debris. Water will give your body the hydration it needs to sustain this cleansing process.
Moreover, H2O is the vital super-substance from which all life is sustained, so drink your water, BUT NOT TO MUCH, I estimate that a person needs somewhere between 5-10 8oz glasses of water a day. Of course this varies depending on the size of the person and how active they are.
Question: How often should I receive massage?
Answer: Most people who is in reasonable good health receive massage once every 1-4 weeks. However the frequency of massage should be determined by your goal.
Medical massage is often preformed in shorter sessions more regularly.
Athletes will receive massage in accordance with their work out schedule.
This is to say that it is dependent upon your goal and needs.
Keep in mind that "the accumulative effective of massage is greater then the benefit of any one treatment session" (I believe that Dr. Yates said it first)
You and your licensed therapist should discuss your long term goals to establish a clear direction and protocol.
Also keep in mind that, according to unnamed sources, both Bob Hope and Julia Cesar received massage every day.
Question: What improvements can I expect to see after my massage?
Answer: That would depend on what issues you are looking to address. Stress reduction is often a big factor that moves someone to seek a massage treatment. In terms of relaxation or the 'relaxation response', measurable improvement is mostly dependent upon a good relationship between the therapist and the client. As to more serious issues such as; chronic muscle spasm, soft tissue inflammation, or any other soft tissue injury, improvement is more dependent upon the therapist incorporating the most suitable modalities. Beyond that there is the bigger issue which is whether or not massage can actually help with your unique condition, on that issue, accurate assessment by the therapist is most vital. (which is why it is important to "size up" your therapist before you book your massage appointment. Ask questions. Finding out whether or not your chosen therapist has the experience you need, that may determine how much improvement you see)
Question: Can massage done with clothes?
Answer: Yes. There are many types of massage. Some forms are done fully clothed while other forms use cream or oil, which does require getting undressed. No matter what though, your massage should always preformed according to your comfort level. You will never be asked to do something your not comfortable doing, your massage therapist can accommodate your needs.
Question: What Should I expect? (I have never had massage before)
Answer: Massage in the US (and abroad in many spa's) is often performed in a dimly lit room. Most of the time the default massage service is European massage (check out massage definitions for more info on types). European massage uses lotions, oils or cream, so you will be expected to disrobe. You should always feel comfortable, in control, and at ease. Of course your first massage may make you feel a bit strange if your not use to physical contact, however, the point is that you should never feel judged, out of control, or uneasy. Massage can be strong or soft and may include some active or passive movement.
A good therapist will elicit your communication so as to allow you to guide the treatment according to what you are ok with.
NOTE: In the US, as a woman, you should not typically have your breasts massaged, unless it has been deemed necessary and you are under the care of a specifically trained therapist.
However, Americans, be aware, throughout Europe it is common to have your chest massaged, and for good reason.....there is a lot of lymphatic tissue in and around the breast area, so from the stand point of immune functioning and cellular health, breast massage is a good thing. In addition, when breast feeding massage may be especially helpful for relieving engorgement or mastitis
Question: What are the proven benefits of massage therapy?
Answer: The benefits of massage are physical and mental, included but not limited to the following:
* relaxes the whole body
* loosens tight muscles
* relieves tired and aching muscles
* increases flexibility and range of motion
* diminishes chronic pain
* calms the nervous system
* lowers blood pressure
* lowers heart rate
* enhances skin tone
* assists in recovery from injuries and illness
* strengthens the immune system
* reduces tension headaches
* reduces mental stress
* improves concentration
* promotes restful sleep
* aids in mental relaxation
Question: Why do I feel pain in some spots during my massage?
Answer: Pain is very common, and is for the most part it is the result of toxicity in the tissue. Lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic waist accumulates in areas that have poor circulation. In order to restore optimal tissue health the sore areas need to be nourished and cleansed with fresh blood and lymph. There are many factors that may be the cause of this pain problem.
Nerve compression from the misalignment of bones, poor posture habits, myofascial strain, tissue toxicity, and poor nutrition are among the most common reasons
Question: What qualifications does a licensed massage therapist have?
Answer: In New York, specifically, a massage therapist is required to have at least 1000 hours of hands on clinical experience and extensive class room studies of anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, myology, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Out side of NY, Inside the US, unfortunately the educational standards are very low. If you are outside of NY, you should look for a therapist that is at least Nationally Certified.
Question: So what makes a "good" massage "good"?
Answer: A "good" massage is usually the result of good communication from both the client and the therapist, trust, sensitivity and strength, as well as solid knowledge of all the body's systems. And of course a comfortable relaxing environment makes it all the better.
Question: What's the difference between spa massage and Therapeutic Massage.
Answer: Typically, though not always, spa massage is done in a general manner, with standard movements that are done the same way on every person. Many spas have strict guide lines that massage therapists must follow, and often they have tight schedules that keep them moving like on a conveyor belt. In Massage Therapy Centers on the other hand, (though not always), your more likely to find therapists who control more of their own schedules and who can perform more 'person specific sessions'. This usually ensures a "better" massage, Why? because each persons needs are so specific, we look at, and access each person as the unique individual they are.
Unlike standardized medicine, the foundation of massage therapy is rooted in caring for each individual. This means that there is no "standard protocol".
Question: How is it even possible that massage is useful for so many different medical conditions?
Answer: In as few words as possible...basically, no matter what disease or symptom your suffering from, there are a few common components; be it pain, muscle aches, gastric problems, immune disorders, heart diseases, and even some cancers, there is most certainly an accumulation of toxicity; cellular oxygen depletion, cellular malnutrition, lymphatic congestion and often a general systemic hormonal, chemical, and even an emotional imbalance that causes suppression of the "normal" healthy dynamic state of our body. You should also know that in fact, stress is a major contributor to all of those conditions. -Massage can cleanse tissue at the cellular level; assist in expelling toxic waist, circulating nutrition to healthy cells, and all the while providing relaxation and an increase of natural endorphin's, that make you feel just great. (there is a lot of research these days that clearly proves that stress causes genetic break down, this causes premature breakdown and aging. More concerning however, is that current research also points out that genetic mutation brings to life certain types of cancer cells. So in light of that, tension and stress is more deadly then once previously thought.)
In The Office
More Massage info
This page was last updated: June 20, 2008
We have been providing therapeutic massage all over Long Island since 1999. Our primary office is located in Smithtown, NY, together with our annex location in Farmingdale, Nassau County and In-Home Massage Network we are able to serve you no matter where you are. As a professional massage and therapy center we specialize in Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure, Lymphatic Massage, European Massage, Thai Massage, Chiropractic as well as other forms. Most of our staff has been in the professional therapy field for nearly 10 years or more. As the spa industry encroached upon the massage profession we have maintained the level of professionalism that is not currently being provided with-in the high volume facilities or "wellness" spa centers. However, we do assert that 'fluff is good stuff", which is why we also provide some of the more soothing luxury treatments as well. Hot stone massage, Aromatherapy, Yoga, and Skin care. Following are most of the locations we cover on Long island: 11968, Southampton, 11937, East Hampton, 11977, Westhampton, 11978, Westhampton Beach, 11976, Watermill, 11942, East Quogue, 11959 Quogue, 11978, Quiogue, 11777, Port Jefferson, 11050, Port Washington, 11776, Port Jefferson Station, 11960, Remsenburg, 11961, Ridge, 11901, Riverhead, 11560, Lattingtown, 11784, Selden, 11720, Centereach, 11733, Old Field, 11568, Old Westbury, 11957, Orient, 11771, Oyster Bay, 11772, Patchouge, 11958, Peconic, 11030, Plandome, 11733, Poquott, 11756, Levittown, 11743, Huntington, 11746, Huntington Station, 11704, West Babylon, 11702, West Gilgo, 11552, West Hempstead, 11795, West Islip, 11796, West Sayville, 11590, Westbury, 11798, Wheatly Heights, 11596, Williston Park, 11797, Woodbury, 11598, Woodmere, 11798, Wyandanch, 11980, Yaphank, 11793, Wantaugh, 11975, Wainscott, 11772, Water Island, 11001, Floral Park, 11702, Babylon, 11507, Albertson, 11003, Alden Manor, 11580, Alden Terrace, 11930, Amagansett, 11701, Amityville, 11931, Aquebogue, 11768, Asharoken, 11509, Atlantic Beach, 11510, Baldwin, 11050, Baxter Estates, 11706, Bay Shore, 11705, Bayport, 11709, Bayville, 11777, Belle Terre, 11710, Bellmore, 11713, Bellport, 11714, Bethpage, 11715, Blue Point, 11716, Bohemia, 11717, Brentwood, 11932, Bridgehampton, 11718, Brightwaters, 11719, Brookhaven, 11545, Brookville, 11933, Calverton, 11514, Carle Place, 11516, Cedarhurst, 11934, Center Moriches, 11721, Centerport, 11722, Central Islip, 11782, Cherry Grove, 11724, Cold Spring Harbor, 11725, Commack, 11726, Copiague, 11935, Cutchouge, 11728, Davis Park, 11729, Deer Park, 11746, Dix Hills, 11730, East Islip, 11939, East Marion, 11554, East Meadow, 11940, East Moriches, 11731, East Northport, 11732, East Norwich, 11772, East Patchogue 11518, East Rockaway. 11596, East Setauket, 11596, East Williston, 11941, Eastport, 11768, Eaton's Neck, 11717, Edgewood, 11003, Elmont, 11731, Elwood, 11734, Fair Harbor, 11735, Farmingdale, 11738, Farmingville, 11782, Fire Island Pines, 11901, Flanders, 11426, Bellerose, 11001, Bellerose, 11426, Bellerose, 11001, Floral Park, 11030, Flower Hill, 11050, Flower Hill, 11576, Flower Hill, 11768, Fort Salonga, 11010, Franklin Square, 11520, Freeport, 11530, Garden City, 11040, Garden City Park, 11581, Gibson, 11542, Glen Cove, 11545, Glen Head, 11004, Glen Oaks, 11547, Glenwood Landing, 11020, Great Neck, 11021, Great Neck, 11022, Great Neck, 11023, Great Neck, 11024, Great Neck, 11739, Great River, 11581, Green Acres, 11740, Greenlawn, 11944, Greenport, 11548, Greenvale, 11743, Halesite, 11946, Hampton Bays, 11788, Hauppauge, 11550, Hempstead, 11552, Hempstead Gardens, 11040, Herricks, 11557, Hewlett, 11801, Hicksville, 11741, Holbrook, 11742, Holtsville, 11096, Inwood, 11722, Islandia, 11558, Island Park, 11756, Island Trees, 11751, Islip, 11752, Islip Terrace, 11947, Jamesport, 11753, Jericho, 11021, Kensington, 11754, Kings Park, 11024, Kings Point, 11706, Kismet, 11755, Lake Grove, 11779, Lake Ronkonkoma, 11020, Lake Success, 11779, Lakeland, 11570, Lakeview RVC, 11552, Lakeview W. Hempstead, 11948, Laurel, 11559, Lawrence, 11757, Lindenhurst, 11743, Lloyd Harbor, 11560, Locust Valley, 11561, Long Beach, 11563, Lynbrook, 11565, Malverne, 11030, Manhasset, 11040, Manhasset Hills, 11050, Manorhaven, 11949, Manorville, 11758, Massapequa, 11762, Massapequa Park, 11950, Mastic, 11951, Mastic Beach, 11560, Mantinecock, 11952, Mattituck, 11763, Medford, 11747, Melville, 11566, Merrick, 11953, Middle Island, 11765, Mill Neck, 11764, Miller Place 11501, Mineola, 11954, Montauck, 11955, Moriches, 11766, Mt. Sinai, 11010, Munson, 11935, Naussau Point, 11767, Nesconset, 11590, New Cassel, 11040, New Hyde Park, 11956, New Suffolk, 11780, Nissequogue, 11703, North Babylon, 11752, North Great River, 11581, North Woodmere, 11768, Northport, 11963, Noyack, 11702, Oak Beach, 11769, Oakdale, 11770, Ocean Beach, 11572, Oceanside, 11804, Old Bethpage, 11714, Plainage, 11803, Plainview, 11569, Point Lookout, 11706, Point O'Woods, 11570, Rockville Centre, 11778, Rocky Point, 11779, Ronkonkoma, 11575, Roosevelt, 11530, Roosevelt Field, 11576, Roslyn, 11577, Rosyln Heights, 11021, Russell Gardens, 11023, Saddle Rock, 11963, Sag Harbor, 11962, Sagaponack, 11780, Saint James, 11706, Saltaire, 11754, San Remo, 11050, Sands Point, 11704, Santapoque, 11782, Sayville, 11579, Sea Cilff, 11783, Seaford, 11507, Searingtown, 11733, Setauket, 11964, Shelter Island, 11965, Shelter Island Heights, 11968, Shinnecock Hills, 11967, Shirley, 11786, Shoreham, 11787, Smithtown, 11789, Sound Beach South, 11735, South Farmingdale, 11970, South Jamesport, 11971, Southold, 11972, Speonk, 11937, Springs, 11530, Stewart Manor, 11790, Stony Brook, 11791, Syosset, 11553, Uniondale, 11973, Upton, 11580, Valley Stream North, 11581, Valley Stream South, 11792, Wading River
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